WELCOME ABOARD SHIPMATE!
USCGC FORWARD Onboarding Program
Welcome Aboard from CO
Where to report
When reporting for duty, arrive in the uniform of the day. If the cutter is underway, report to Base Portsmouth. The Officer of the Day will process your paperwork. Ask the base security guard for directions when you arrive at the front gate to Base Portsmouth.
Flying into Norfolk
There are a number of transportation means available from Norfolk International Airport. James River Transportation has a flat rate from the airport to the base at $47. There is a Navy representative on duty at the Airport Information booth to assist you. They have information on all of the Armed Services bases in the Hampton Roads area and are available from 0730 to 0000 daily.
Driving to Base Portsmouth
From Interstate 64, take the exit for 164 towards Portsmouth, Norfolk. Take the Cedar Lane exit and turn to the left. Immediately after crossing over the highway, turn right onto Coast Guard Boulevard and continue approximately 1.2 miles to the front gate of Base Portsmouth.
Tidewater Area
The Tidewater area of Virginia is rich with family living that boasts a very active military community. The Tidewater area is comprised of the cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, and Virginia Beach. Located in Southeast Virginia, the tidewater area is approximately one hour north of the Outer Banks, North Carolina and 45 minutes East of Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. The area also offers a wide selection of family services, outstanding medical facilities, and opportunities for higher education form institutions such as Old Dominion University, Hampton University, and Tidewater Community College.
Ombudsman
FORWARD's Ombudsmen are volunteers who serve as a link between the command and FORWARD families. They work hard to provide information, family support, and facilitate a sense of community among FORWARD families before, during, and after deployments.
FORWARD Ombudsmen:
Olivia Otter
Contact at ootter@asu.edu or (727) 417-1082